tried to search the fourms for this, but I didn't find much information that was helpful.

the plan is to swap in a full LCD cluster from a later model B5 into my 99.5 A4 that has just the "light-up" indicators. I know that the connectors are mostly the same with the exception of 1 connector, so my questions are:

what's necessary to program the key and ECM in order for the new LCD cluster to work properly, and how would I solve the problem with the different connector? is just the connector physically different, and thus just some electrical work with a sourced blank connector is needed, or is some of the wiring different? Thanks for any input.

 

why are you going with the FIS? The LCD problems are expensive to fix.

 

I can get the cluster for less than $50 and it's line free so I figure why not. if it starts to fail and it bothers me I'll just switch back if the procedure is simple enough.

 

Ive always wanted to try that, although i do feel lucky i have the dummy lights instead since they are more reliable. It would be nice to see fuel consumption, but i wonder if the computer even has the info when the car doesnt have the cluster. Keep us posted im curious as to if you can get it to work.

 

My service manual says theres no connector for cars w/ the non screen. Who knows though maybe since yours is a 99.5 it might have the connector laying there, i thought all models after pre-99 had them but i guess not.

 

well I have the day off tomorrow, if the cluster is as easy to remove as the one in my mazda is then I'll just pop it out to have a look-see, will post results tomorrow. I thought that I remember someone on audizine saying that the FIS console was an option on 99.5 cars and I think I remember someone posting about troubleshooting with a FIS module in a 99.5 car so we'll see.

 

nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo, dont do it i did it to my car, and f'dd up the wiring harness, dont do it it's a waste of freeking time, and your car will just be shittier after you attempt to do this! trust me DONT DO IT!!!